The Tijuana Xolos played their last game of the 2024 Apertura 2024 regular season this Sunday, November 10.

The Border City Dogs hosted Puebla at the Estadio Caliente in what was a vital game regarding Club Tijuana’s playoff picture.

Juan Carlos Osorio made three changes to the lineup that tied 1-1 against FC Juarez during the week, adding more depth to the midfield with Kevin Castaneda and Joe Corona. The Aztec Canines were the heavy favorites heading into the match, but this turned out to be far from an “easy” game at the Mictlan.

#Xolos‘ supporters group “La Masakr3” set up a caravan to the Estadio Caliente that included this tifo.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/kqaDMSZcJq

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) November 11, 2024

Puebla struck first in the match just eight minutes into it, really souring what was a vibrant and energetic crowd heading into the clash. Luis Quinones stole the ball and crossed the sphere into the penalty area, where Emanuel Gularte was able to put a header past Jesus Corona.

Puebla opted to protect the lead for the rest of the first half, which was an effective method against a Tijuana side that struggled to get shots on target. In the 42nd minute, Ivan Tona was close to scoring, but his shot rattled the post as the desperation grew within the Xoloitzcuintles.

Puebla came away with the slim lead after the opening 45 minutes and almost increased that lead starting the second half. In the 49th minute, La Franja scored, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul on Xolos’ Carlos Gonzalez in the previous play.

The match grew with intensity as the minutes passed, and a scuffle broke out between both sides in the 55th minute. The pushing and shoving came after a shot by Xolos’ Alejandro Gomez was stopped by Puebla goalkeeper Miguel Jimenez.
Shortly after, in the 60th minute, Club Tijuana equalized the match with a goal by San Diego native Joe Corona. Efrain Alvarez provided the cross to Corona, who positioned himself perfectly to score the goal.

Jimenez was the hero of the game for Puebla and came away with another big save in the 73rd minute, stopping a potent strike from Kevin Castaneda. A second scuffle between both teams broke out in the 76th minute, and this resulted in a second yellow card for Puebla’s Luis Quinones.

Down to 10 men, Puebla were able to maintain the 1-1 scoreline for a good while with heroics by Miguel Jimenez. The Mexican shot-stopper saved a powerful punt by Ivan Tona in stoppage time to maintain the score.

Puebla scored another goal that was eventually disallowed in stoppage time due to a hand ball on the offensive play. In the dying moments of the match, Emmanuel Reynoso crossed the ball into the box and Carlos Gonzalez was miraculously able to make contact and find the back of the net.

#xolos score in stoppage time to win it 2-1 against Puebla and secure home-field advantage against América in the playoffs.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/9V6g8G2Wo5

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) November 11, 2024

The Estadio Caliente exploded in euphoria as this goal meant much more than just the three points on the day. The victory meant home-field advantage in the playoffs against Club America in what is set to be a very hard-fought clash.

America and Xolos played to a 2-2 draw during the regular season in what was a very exciting match. This is the first time Club Tijuana makes the playoffs since the Clausura 2019 campaign as Juan Carlos Osorio’s impact is very noticeable on this squad.

“When we return home Its clear that the team that will come to play toe-to-toe with us will have a tough time”, said Juan Carlos Osorio in the post-game press conference.

Osorio also talked a lot about the mental aspect of the game and said that the “mental aspect” is the “most important” aspect in professional sports.

Given that Club Tijuana only lost one out of eight games at home, gaining the home-field advantage against Club America was massive. This game will played after the FIFA international break as the Liga MX playoffs resume.

Francisco Velasco

Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.